Crystal Lake

Western Uintas

Overview

( Rated 3.0 / 1 Ratings )

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RATING: Easy Hike

LENGTH: 15 minutes (0.3 mile)

MAPS: Mirror Lake, UT;

Wed

40 | 22

Thu

38 | 21

Fri

36 | 18

Sat

38 | 18

Sun

27 | 21

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: Filterable at the lake.

Wed

40 | 22

Thu

38 | 21

Fri

36 | 18

Sat

38 | 18

Sun

27 | 21

View Full Weather Details

roadside

hike

dog friendly

family friendly

beginner

access: paved

Crystal Lake in the Uinta Mountains

At less than 0.25 miles, this is a family friendly roadside lake that is accessible to most everyone. On our visit, there were many families playing along the shoreline and setting up inflatable boats for an afternoon of lounging on the lake. Tucked near the scenic base of Mount Watson, the popularity is well deserved. This is a great family and dog-friendly destination close to the car.

Ryan and Abby hanging out in the shade.

Getting There

Note: The Mirror Lake highway that is used to access this hike is closed in the winter. The gate is typically open from Memorial Day until late October, but if planning this hike on the shoulder season, call the forest service to see if it is open. ((801) 466-6411)

The trailhead is the Crystal Lake Trailhead off the Mirror Lake highway. This is at milepost 25.5, which is 25.5 from Kamas Utah on highway 150 or about 52 miles south of Evanston Wyoming on Highway 150. The trail will likely be very snowy until late June in most years.

At milepost 25.5, turn left onto the paved road signed from Trial Lake and Crystal Lake Trailhead. Stay left a short distance from the highway, but take the second right 0.7 miles from the highway. Follow this 0.5 miles to its end at the Crystal Lake Trailhead.

The trailhead has a pit toilet and a large parking. There are also several campgrounds in the area.

Mount Watson from Crystal Lake

Wonderdog enjoying the lake.

Route

From the parking area, follow the unsigned trail that starts on the left of the bathroom. You may notice a junction a couple of minutes from the restroom. If so, go right. The lake is reached within 5 minutes of the trailhead.

The peak to the west/north that dominates the view is Mount Watson.

There are many big logs along the shore that make for great places to sit, picnic, and enjoy the day. No fisherman on the day we visited, which makes me wonder how good the fishing is.